Mali

Mali continues to face a complex and multifaceted humanitarian crisis mainly driven by conflict, insecurity and climate shocks. These challenges are compounded by structural vulnerabilities and socio-economic hardships. As of 2025, 6.4 million people – 28 per cent of the population – require humanitarian assistance. The most severe needs are concentrated in northern and central Mali, where conflict has caused displacement, deepened vulnerabilities and limited access to basic services.

The humanitarian situation is further exacerbated by unprecedented flooding and recurring droughts, which have devastated livelihoods and heightened the risks of disease outbreaks such as cholera and malaria.

Despite these challenges, the UN and its partners have managed to deliver assistance in most areas by engaging communities and coordinating responses to overcome access challenges. In 2024, humanitarians reached 1.8 million people, even though only 39 per cent of the US$701.6 million funding requirement was met.

For 2025, the humanitarian community seeks to assist 4.7 million of the most vulnerable people, including 78 per cent women and children.

The humanitarian outlook for Mali in 2025 remains dire. While the number of people in need has slightly decreased from 7.1 million in 2024 to 6.4 million, the severity of needs continues to rise in many areas, especially for those displaced by conflict or affected by climate shocks.

Insecurity and violence are expected to persist, further displacing populations and disrupting critical services such as healthcare and education. Climate shocks remain a significant driver of vulnerability, with floods and droughts projected to worsen food insecurity and malnutrition while increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

Internal displacement and cross-border migration are also projected to persist in 2025.

Humanitarian partners will prioritise interventions in regions where conflict, displacement and climate-related challenges are most acute. Advocacy for greater engagement from development actors will be essential to address long-term structural vulnerabilities that cannot be resolved through humanitarian interventions alone.

To address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable people in Mali, the UN and its partners require US$771.3 million to deliver lifesaving assistance to 4.7 million people in 2025. These efforts support Malian authorities’ and communities’ leading role in responding to humanitarian needs.

Humanitarian partners will also intensify efforts to integrate cross-cutting priorities such as gender equality, accountability to affected populations and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

While access constraints and funding shortfalls pose significant challenges, the humanitarian community remains committed to alleviating suffering and safeguarding the dignity of millions of Malians. Advocacy for sustained donor support and development interventions will be crucial to addressing both immediate needs and long-term structural challenges.